What is the blue wall

I’ve worked with police officers from 2002-2017 in a deep and personal way. I have had them in my training courses, I have counseled them, I have been the man who taught them how to speak with citizens during a hostage situation, and I’ve been a part of the group to fine their release back into active duty after an episode. I understand what they deal with. I have had them in my home, dined together in their houses, a few I called best friends once upon a time. My kid has played with their kids.

When I tell you that the continuance of execution style killing of black men isn’t acceptable and has to stop, I have earned that opinion honestly. And if you’re of the belief system that there’s not any other alternative to cope with these circumstances, then you’re my problem and I am taking you to task at this time.

The pre-season NFL game this week revealed more players carrying a knee to protest police brutality and the tarnished, embarrassing idea of the National Anthem as a point of pride for a country who does literally nothing to honor the intent of the tune.

This is no more safe or ethical on any level. Once upon a time, authorities needed the support and the security. That’s no longer true. Police aren’t trained military. They aren’t expected to throw themselves on a grenade for your benefit. Quit shaming them fellow officers, when they keep themselves alive during an episode.

And in case you can not see that? You want to resign. You’ve lost your way and shouldn’t be in this profession out on the roads, with a weapon in your hip and the law on your side, interacting with human beings. You should be working from the inside to ensure a rise in emotional intelligence and a non-lethal reaction to these situations.

I applaud the NFL players that continue to demonstrate. If there’s a more peaceful way to protest, I can not find it. Our “President” is calling them out in his usual maniacal manner, with palms and spit waving and name calling and Twitter insults, says he knows precisely what these superstars are saying. He’s triggered. He’s repressing his shame. He’s projecting his guilt on the courageous men who refuse to quit taking a knee.

And those guys are my heroes. Not the guys who back their brothers (and sisters) in grim regardless of what. Those people are not heroes. They’re cowards for not standing up for the principles which the job requires. They’re unpatriotic for not honoring our nation’s Constitution, animal removal service and laws. And I don’t have any respect for the ones that respond this way. Unfortunately, this is currently the majority. These women and men would be the very thing that they swore to comprise.

Please post this on the regional law enforcements’ Facebook page. You may use my name as the author if you’re concerned about retribution. That you must worry, however, says everything.